Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is the quintessential Southern comfort food. Crispy, tender, and smothered in a creamy, flavorful gravy, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a hearty dinner. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how to make this classic dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fried Steak:
- Cube steak or round steak
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Buttermilk
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Gravy:
- Milk
- Butter
Instructions
1. Prepare the Steaks
- Tenderize the Meat: If you’re using cube steak, it’s already tenderized. For round steak, you might want to tenderize it yourself using a meat mallet or tenderizer.
- Season the Flour: In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Mix well.
- Prepare the Dipping Station: In another shallow dish, whisk together 1 cup of buttermilk and 2 large eggs. This mixture will help the flour adhere to the meat.
2. Bread the Steaks
- Dredge the Steaks: Dip each steak into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Coat with Flour: Next, dredge the steak in the seasoned flour, pressing it down to ensure a good coating. Shake off any excess flour. For an extra crispy coating, you can dip the steak back into the buttermilk mixture and then into the flour again.
- Rest the Steaks: Place the coated steaks on a plate or wire rack and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better during frying.
3. Fry the Steaks
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking; you can test it by dropping a small pinch of flour into the oil. If it sizzles, the oil is ready.
- Fry the Steaks: Carefully add the steaks to the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry the steaks for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Drain the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Make the Gravy
- Prepare the Pan: After frying the steaks, you’ll have some delicious, browned bits left in the skillet. Leave about 2 tablespoons of oil in the pan, discarding the rest.
- Create a Roux: Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and let it melt. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, or until the mixture becomes golden brown. This creates a roux, which will thicken your gravy.
- Add Milk: Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk, making sure to incorporate any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Continue to whisk until the gravy starts to thicken. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Season the Gravy: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a spicier gravy, you can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Serve: Once the gravy has reached your desired thickness, remove it from the heat. Pour the gravy over the crispy chicken fried steaks or serve it on the side.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is a comforting and indulgent meal that brings together crispy, tender steak with a rich, creamy gravy. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Crispy and Tender: The double coating of flour and buttermilk ensures a crispy, flavorful crust while keeping the steak tender and juicy.
- Homemade Gravy: The gravy made from the pan drippings adds incredible flavor and richness, making it a perfect complement to the fried steak.
- Classic Comfort Food: This dish embodies the essence of Southern comfort food, making it a great choice for a satisfying dinner.
Tips for Success
- Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the steaks. If the oil is too cool, the coating can become greasy and soggy.
- Rest the Meat: Letting the coated steaks rest before frying helps the coating adhere better and results in a crunchier crust.
- Gravy Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is a classic Southern dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for hearty, comforting food. With a crispy exterior, tender meat, and rich, creamy gravy, this meal is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to special gatherings. Enjoy this recipe and savor every delicious bite of this Southern favorite!
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